Hooper free to play Bledisloe opener

Qantas Wallabies Vice-Captain Michael Hooper is available for this weekend’s decider of The Rugby Championship in Sydney.

A SANZAR Appeals Committee unanimously dismissed both appeals brought by SANZAR and The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) on behalf of Michael Hooper.

The Committee dismissed the ARU appeal on behalf of Michael Hooper on the basis that the appellant was unable to show that the Judicial Officer erred in law in finding that Hooper's striking of Nicolas Sanchez from Argentina was a breach of Law 10.4 (a).

The Committee also dismissed the appeal brought by SANZAR that the Judicial Officer's sanction of one week was unduly lenient. The Committee found the Judicial Officer was correct in the exercise of his discretion that the offending was low-end.

As such, the player's suspension from all forms of the game for one week was confirmed.

The Wallabies openside was glad to put the ordeal behind him and focus on selection.

"Glad it’s wrapped up and I can really look forward to this week and moving forward into the first Bledisloe," Hooper said.

“It’s been a little bit tough but I have been preparing as if I’ve been right to play and I'll be trying to get into the team for this week.”

Tickets for The Rugby Championship decider at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, August 8, start from just $45 and are available at ticketek.com.au